Shrub · North Texas care guide
Ilex × 'Conaf'
Nursery Pro tip: Fast, dense and a little shorter than Nellie Stevens — good where 15 ft would be too much. Takes clay and heat without fuss.
A naturally pyramidal holly with unusual oak-shaped leaves, bronze-red new growth and heavy red berries without needing a pollinator. 10–15 ft tall, 6–8 wide, and it holds a perfect cone shape with almost no pruning — a Red Holly series selection bred for the South.
Full sun to part shade; best berry set and density in sun. Any drained soil. Space 6 ft apart for a screen, or use singly at a corner.
Fall through spring. Wide hole, ball at grade, native soil, Root Stimulator, 3 inches of mulch.
Twice a week the first summer, weekly the second; drought tolerant after that.
Holly fertilizer in early spring; chelated iron if new growth yellows.
Rarely — it shapes itself. Trim a wayward leader in late winter or after the berries drop.
Scale (winter dormant oil). Iron chlorosis in high-pH beds. Leaves are less prickly than most hollies but still firm.
Corner anchor, entry accent, or an informal evergreen screen with Nellie Stevens and cleyera.
Written for Rockwall's black clay, heat and winters by the Landscape Source team. Every yard is different — bring a photo by, or ask LS-Ai, and we'll tailor it to your spot.